1.6 and 1.8 engines

[300bhp/ton]

Hi. Again as per my other question (LSD's), I'm sure this has been asked about a million times. But in light of not having yet found an answer.....

How does the early or JDM 1.6 (116hp??) engine compare to the 1.8 (130/133hp)???

Evidently there's a HP difference, so I'd expect top speed and acceleration to be improved in the more powerful car. But is there really much difference? Does one engine drive or feel better than the other? And is one more reliable/tuniable than the other?

Ta

[Jag-D]

Recently read that the 1.6 takes 8.28 seconds to 60mph and the 1.8 takes 8.26

[Disco You]

It is often said that the 1.6 is a better driver's car as it is lighter with only a little bit less power. i.e. the straightline disadvantage is outweighed by the handling benefits of having less weight.

[5paul5]

Having owned both 1.6 and 1.8 engined cars i must admit there is very little to choose between the two. While the 1.8 has a few more horses it is also slightly heavier. The 1.6 is also considered to be the better, stronger engine. Hope this helps.

[NeoVR]

The early 1.6's are lighter with less power..

• but*

the 1.8 has a more modern engine management.
bigger, better brakes
bigger, better diff
more chassis bracing
bigger clutch/flywheel

I was on the M65autobahn with a mate who has a 1.6 (mines a 94-1.8) - both very similar mods with 5'parts exhausts and filters.. and i was walking away from him slowly.. That covers performance in a straight line, cant cover twisties though, but considering a common mod for the 1.6 owners is more bracing... makes you wonder really!.

To sum up, i think.. if you want to add more power, then a 1.8 is a far better base-car.. although a 1.6 is fine if you dont plan to modify at all.

[GravelBen]

As standard the 1.8 is a bit torquier while the 1.6 revs a bit more freely. As others have said there really isn't much at all to choose between them.

[300bhp/ton]

Can the additional bracing and bigger brakes be swapped onto a 1.6 fairly easily?

[skinny]

yup

[MX-5 Lazza]

The dilema of course is that the early 1.6 is almost as quick as the 1.8 due to it's light weight. If you add the additional braces & bigger brakes from the 1.8 it will be almost as heavy so much of that weight advantage is negated.

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Saturday 31st July 10:40

[pbirkett]

I was recently out on a hoon with some MX5s and there was a 1.6 on the run, and I have to say my 1.8 did seem like it had noticably more straight line speed, and the guy did say he was thrashing it to try and keep up.

Maybe 0-60 there might not be much in it, but I think on the move, and at higher speeds, the 1.8 definitely has the legs on a 1600.

And if weight is a problem get something like RS Limited which gives the weight of a 1.6 but all of the other advantages of a 1.8.

[Horrocks]

This is a question I wanted an answer to, in simple; the answer is that the difference is very little. For me this is a big issue due to insurance...

[LukeBird]

Horrocks said:

This is a question I wanted an answer to, in simple; the answer is that the difference is very little. For me this is a big issue due to insurance...

Really?
I'm 22 and the difference between a 1.6 and a 1.8 wasn't that big...

[Willie Dee]

From what I have noticed all the 1.6 owners claim there is no difference and that the 1.6 engines are stronger for power (despite being a lot harder to get high power with it)

I have never met a owner who would swap the 1.8 for the 1.6 though, says it all really.

[seismic22]

im 22 also and 1.8, 1.6 didnt make any difference any noticeable difference on my premium.

I recently bought a 1.8 mk1 with no abs, no power steering, no air con, no electric windows, no hard top no electric wing mirrors etc. Correct me if im wrong but not having all that stuff must make my 1.8 as light if not lighter than plenty of eunos 1.6's??

I have only driven a 1.6 v.briefly, a long time a go and have since only been a passenger in one other. Seeing as the 1.8 mk1 definately isnt a torquey car, i was still pleased to have the little bit more torque when i cruised down here to france (700 odd miles) the other day at 90 to 100 leptons and couldnt be bothered to change down everytime to overtake the irratic french toll road cruisers.

[worldwidewebs]

Remember that some of these cars are over 20 years old now. You'll probably see as much difference between 2 supposedly identical cars than between and 1.6 and 1.8.

FWIW, a friend who prepares MX5 race engines believes the 1.6 is the better and stronger engine. I'd suggest you go and drive a few and see what you think

[Jag-D]

I would like more power as high numbers interest me, but I'm sure I would be happy with the 1.6 being supercharged

[Horrocks]

LukeBird said:

Horrocks said:

This is a question I wanted an answer to, in simple; the answer is that the difference is very little. For me this is a big issue due to insurance...

Really?
I'm 22 and the difference between a 1.6 and a 1.8 wasn't that big...

Im thankful for your post, it puts my premium up by £80! Haha, Im now looking at paying £1700 for a renault clio and a mazda mx5 1.8 at the age of 19.

Don't think I can argue all that much really.

[bluetone]

£1700! That makes me feel slightly better about being 41

I realised during conversation the other day that the series Band Of Brothers (ace btw) was on the telly 9 years a go. fk me I felt old I can tell ye!

[Horrocks]

bluetone said:

£1700! That makes me feel slightly better about being 41

I realised during conversation the other day that the series Band Of Brothers (ace btw) was on the telly 9 years a go. fk me I felt old I can tell ye!

I bet you pay £200 tops? Eugh!

[300bhp/ton]

worldwidewebs said:

Remember that some of these cars are over 20 years old now. You'll probably see as much difference between 2 supposedly identical cars than between and 1.6 and 1.8.

FWIW, a friend who prepares MX5 race engines believes the 1.6 is the better and stronger engine. I'd suggest you go and drive a few and see what you think

maybe, but there must still be a difference. Although if I'm doing my maths right, a 940kg car with 116hp and a 1040kg car with 130hp have almost identical power to weight ratios.